The Scottish National Party (SNP) has launched its 2024 manifesto ahead of the UK general election, to be held on 4 July. The manifesto places strong emphasis on investment in public services, an expansion of devolved powers and a greener economy.

These commitments will have a number of implications for transport in Scotland, including:

Taxation: The SNP has promised to push for the devolution of road tax and fuel duty. It has also committed to removing VAT from on-street electric vehicle charging.

Investment and public infrastructure: The SNP has called for the UK government to scrap its current fiscal rules and proposed new rules that would allow greater investment in infrastructure. The party has also called for the UK government to reverse budgetary cuts, which it would invest in public infrastructure, including roads and rail.

Net Zero: The party has called for the UK government to invest £28bn a year in net zero. It has called for devolution of new borrowing powers to invest in a just transition and has also committed to research and investment in Artificial Intelligence and the role it could play in public services.

Clean vehicles: It has committed to ban the import and sale of new, non zero-emission buses by 2025. The SNP also wants to strengthen incentives to purchase cleaner vehicles by calling on the UK government to establish a new Low Income EV Car Leasing Fund, backed up by at least £500mn, which it says would enable 50,000 EV leases a year.

Devolved railway: The manifesto calls for a fully devolved railway, which includes the transfer of ownership and powers to Network Rail Scotland and powers for permanent public ownership of rail services.

Road safety: The manifesto has emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient road network. The manifesto notes that reducing road traffic is key to cutting emissions, but highlights that rural and sparsely populated areas have different needs.

CIHT welcomes the publication of the SNP's 2024 Manifesto, which proposes policies that align with our own CIHT Manifesto “ A Transport Network Fit for all our Futures”.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT, said:

The SNP manifesto commits the party to net zero, and highlights the role transport can play. CIHT is pleased to see the SNP manifesto highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe and resilient network and the commitments towards investment in transport infrastructure. These commitments echo CIHT's own manifesto which calls for a resilient and decarbonised transport network that ensures everyone can travel safely and sustainably.

CIHT is looking forward to engaging and working with all major political parties, working to ensure a transport network that benefits the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.